Saturday, November 28, 2009

My sister is in town

My sister Alice is visiting us in Seattle with her husband Jeremy on a post-Thanksgiving weekend trip. There is nothing in the world like a sister. I have such a feeling of relief and being HOME.

I've been busier, and more tired than even usual - and so last night I just snuggled up next to her and snoozed while everyone watched the Christian Bale/ Maggie Gyllenthal version of Batman.

She and Jeremy played with the kids, read to them, and put them to bed.

I felt reenrgized this morning - waking up to run the Seattle Family Marathon (only one mile!) with my kids. So exciting to run into the stadium and across the finish line. Yumi had an enormous smile on her face. Who knew it would be such a thrill. Especially thrilling to only have to run a mile to get to cross the threshold and be handed a space blanket.

I've never felt more athletic in my life than walking up Queen Anne Ave with my space blanket.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Thanksigiving

I love Thanksgiving, and not just because of my husband's bourbon gravy and mini pumpkin pies decorated like turkeys.

Being grateful is so powerful and energizing. I'm fully addicted to the feeling.

Perhaps in part because I have so much to be grateful for. In no particular order:

- I'm grateful to work in such a great industry - to be able to support and pamper women
- I'm grateful for our guests, and especially our members, who make our work worthwhile
- I'm grateful to work with such a caring, dedicated and passionate team
- I'm grateful for all the help from our extended team of PR, computer support, investors, and advisors who make such a huge difference everyday
- I'm grateful to have the oppportunity to lead Julep
- I'm grateful to be hopeful about the economy improving
- I'm grateful that more bottles of our sparkly red Marilyn are on their way to us
- Most importantly, I'm grateful for my fabulous friends and famiy

As we were counting our blessings around the Thanksgiving table, my five-year old said that she was thankful for "a family that loves me so much and that is going to give me so much American Girl doll stuff for Christmas."

But I hope she grows up to know that the real gift is the ability and opportunity to love others, and share American Girl stuff with them. But I guess pre-emptive gratitutde for desired Christmas presents is as good a place to start as any . . . ??